Chinese-Funded Factory Sparks Uproar in Rayong After Land Raising Floods Homes

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Residents of a Rayong community are demanding urgent action after claiming a Chinese-backed company illegally filled land to raise the ground level, to build a factory, causing severe flooding and structural damage to neighbouring homes.

 

Villagers in Soi 11, Moo 1, Makham Khu subdistrict, Nikhom Phatthana district, have filed complaints with local MP Sawangchit Laoharojanaphan of the People’s Party, describing the situation as “terrifying” and “dangerous.” They allege that developers raised the land level by nearly 10 metres, higher than their rooftops, without disclosing the nature or ownership of the project.

 

 

The elevated land, which spans roughly 50 rai, is said to have caused massive run-off during recent rainfall. Soil and debris reportedly flowed into houses, flooding living areas and weakening structures. Residents also voiced concerns about persistent dust pollution caused by the continuous dumping of earth.

 

Ms Sawangchit visited the site and confirmed the severity of the residents’ concerns. “Some homes and fences are visibly sinking,” she reported. “This project has created enormous hardship, and it’s disturbing that no one knows what it is or who owns it.”

 

There were no signs, notices, or permits displayed at the site, and the Makham Khu Municipality confirmed that no construction or landfill permissions had been granted. Locals stated that landfilling began as early as February 2025.

 

 

 

The MP announced plans to file for an injunction from the Administrative Court, citing apparent violations of multiple environmental and construction laws. The relevant authorities have now ordered the removal of the soil from the site, pending further investigation.

 

Residents are calling for greater transparency and accountability, demanding answers about who is behind the project and what its long-term impact might be.

 

-- 2025-04-17

 

[ChrisY1]

Obviously local elected officials knew of this as it was being built and as usual, did nothing!

They know the developer....they obviously allowed this to proceed and should be bought to account......but of course, a few complaining locals mean nothing....maybe with pressure,  local MP Sawangchit Laoharojanaphan, might do something.

Loading this much fill on to what is almost classed as swamp land, creates massive issues and will in effect, compress the land are raise water levels...which seems to be happening.

 

[JoePai]

Residents of a Rayong please note the Chinese own you, so stop complaining